Ownership of Channel 4

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the future ownership of Channel 4.

I firmly oppose the Government’s plan to privatise Channel 4. Great British TV belongs in the UK, and I do not wish to see Channel 4 lost to the highest bidder.

For nearly four decades, Channel 4 has created an endless list of brilliant, progressive and world-leading programmes. It is a British success story established to provide distinctive output and to drive forward growth in the independent TV production sector, and it has far exceeded these goals. In addition, its sharp, challenging, diverse and entertaining programming does very well in appealing to a wider and younger audience.

It may well be right occasionally to review the make-up of Channel 4, but I do not believe the decision to press ahead with proposals for privatisation has any solid evidence behind it. Indeed, Channel 4 has just had one of its best financial years on record and has reported an increase in viewing figures across all its platforms.

The Government has said it needs to adapt because of competition from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon.

I believe this misses the point as Channel 4 was created to be different, diverse and daring, and to champion the under-represented voices of this country. It does not need to spend millions to compete, it needs to do what it does best and create fundamentally British content that speaks to and represents British audiences. Privatising Channel 4 is more likely to allow big streaming companies to buy up the channel for their own aims, and Channel 4’s news productions, documentaries and riskier ventures would be at risk.

Additionally, selling off Channel 4 makes no economic sense, costing jobs and opportunities across the UK. Currently, Channel 4 serves the public interest without costing the British taxpayer a penny. Its profit is reinvested into British programmes, supporting a pipeline of independent, small production companies and new talents. I am concerned by the consequences of privatisation for our world-renowned creative sector.

Thank you once again for contacting me. There is a long road from the Government’s announcement to law, and I can assure you I will support action to prevent the privatisation of Channel 4.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP